1. deacons

2. Jesus Transforms The Concept of Service for His Disciples Jesus Exalts Service In His Teaching And In His Actions –Teaching The Apostles (Matthew 20:25-28) Therefore, He Leaves All Christians A Pattern of Service –Serving With Humility (John 13:13-17) Select Christians Serve In The Designated Position of Deacon

3. Overview of A Deacon’s Service The Deacon’s Office –Philippians 1:1 The Deacon’s Qualifications –1 Timothy 3:8-13 The Deacon’s Work –“In the common usage of the day, the word meant to wait on tables or to assist or care for household needs. Eventually, the word came to mean ‘to serve’ in any capacity.” Bakers Theological Dictionary of the Bible, p.150

4. What Does The Work of A Designated Servant Look Like? Deacons Meet Pressing Needs of the Church –“a complaint arose” Deacons Primarily Meet Physical Needs –“to serve tables” Deacons Have Authority Over Task & Their Related Resources –“in charge of this task” Deacons Keep Those In Other Roles From Being Over-Burdened –“But we will devote ourselves to…”

5. What About The Service Performed by Ladies? Three Reasons Phoebe Is Not A “Deaconess” –The Qualifications, The Context, The History Ladies Are To Be Devoted & Loving Servants –“a servant of the church at Cenchrea” –Just consider Tabitha, Mary, Martha, Lydia, Lois, Eunice, Joanna, Susanna, Anna, Pricilla, and others! Ladies Serve As Saints, Not In Special Offices –“receive her…worthy of the saints” Ladies Can Utilize The Assistance of Others To Complete The Task Entrusted To Them –“help her in whatever matter she may have need of you” –Titus 2:3-5 A Word of Caution: This Does Not Negate The Deacons!

6. Rejoice In God’s Plan! Deacons Make A BIG Difference! Serving Well Is A Personal Blessing –“a high standing” In Influence: Matthew 5:16, 7;24 In Judgment: 1 Timothy 6:19 –“great confidence” In Prayer: Hebrews 4:16 In Judgment: 1 John 2:28 Serving Well Is A Blessing To The Elders Serving Well Is A Blessing To The Congregation –Acts 6:7

7. deacons